‘Our young people are the key’

EVEN WITH 17 students from the University of the West Indies (UWI) to be awarded scholarships from the proceeds of this year’s staging of the CB Group UWI 5K, longstanding patron the Honourable Douglas Orane is still urging the public to show their support for the road race.

Orane was speaking on Monday during the race’s press launch at the UWI Regional Headquarters.

Of the 17 recipients, 10 will receive sporting scholarships while the remaining seven have been awarded for their academic excellence.

Orane said the scholarships will give a helping hand to students, providing a platform for them to achieve their dreams.

He advocated for the investment in Jamaica’s future through continued support of the next generation of students to pass through the halls of regional institution.

“The most important asset that we have in our country is our people and obviously, our young people are the key to the growth of our country,” Orane said.

“The investment in them, to me, as a senior citizen is what engrosses me completely now and in the future. It is something I truly enjoy and it is my passion and I have a saying about it that where a young person has dropped in a pothole, is there way I can help them to get out of the pothole because once they are able to do that, they’ve gone clear.”

Orane has called for the public to support the initiative either through registering and participating in the UWI 5K or through financial donations.

He has also called for sponsors to come on board and play their part in creating a pathway for students of humble beginnings to achieve their academic and sporting goals.

Orane reasoned with more persons involved with the UWI 5K there will be more funds and more support for students.

“The funds that are gathered for the entrance fees is what actually goes towards the scholarships. The other part of which are sponsorships, and yes, they are companies that have sponsored but they are also individuals who sponsor as well and I am one of them,” he explained.

“I personally give enough money every year to have one student to continue at UWI and for some reason, they have named the scholarship after me. I’m encouraging others to do the same. I am a big believer in giving because it is so important for us to be emotionally engaged in what we believe in and not only talk about, but take action on it by giving our own resources in order to help others.”

The UWI 5K is set for November 24 and will include three categories, the UWI 5K run, UWI 5K walk and a wheelchair category.

There will also be the Run with Passion Kids K event for children to participate.